How it works
The printer lays CMYK pigment ink on PET film, then a white layer on top. Hot-melt powder (usually TPU) is spread on the wet ink, melted in a dryer, and the finished transfer is heat-pressed onto the garment. The powder is the glue; the white is the opaque base.
Workflow
- Design mirrored in the RIP; white underbase and choke set.
- Print CMYK + white on the coated side of the film.
- Powder while wet; shake off excess.
- Cure about 110–150°C for 2–4 minutes until smooth and slightly glossy.
- Press: cotton about 150–165°C, 10–15 s, medium pressure.
- Peel (hot or cold as the film says) and re-press 5–10 s.
Materials
Cotton, polyester, blends, denim, canvas, leather, nylon (with a low-temperature powder). Works on dark and light colours.
Strengths
- One process for almost every fabric and colour.
- No garment pre-treatment.
- Transfers can be printed in advance and stocked or sold.
- Low cost per print for short runs and gang sheets.
Limits
- A thin layer sits on top of the fabric; large solid areas feel heavier than DTG.
- White ink needs daily care and circulation.
- Quality depends on film, powder, cure and press as much as the printer.
Common faults
| Fault | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| Peels after washing | Under-cured powder or low press temperature/pressure |
| Cracks when stretched | Too much white ink or over-cured |
| White halo at edges | White choke too small |
| Powder dots on blank areas | Static or poor shaking |
Full engineer detail is in the DTF Engineer Course track.
Videos and references
External videos are from other companies and may show different machines. Where they differ, follow the TrueDot steps above.